EPSEN Act implementation
After procedural discussion of the one-minute limit, Deputy Martin asks which EPSEN Act sections have been commenced; the Taoiseach promises to provide the information.
Before moving on to questions on promised legislation, I point out to Members that we have recently amended Standing Order 28 to provide that there is one minute per Member on one question on promised legislation. Deputy Micheál Martin has one minute for one question.
Comment on this
It is in Standing Orders. One minute for one question.
Comment on this
The disenfranchisement of large parties continues. I will say no more.
Comment on this
Excuse me, Deputy. Your party agreed to the amendment of Standing Orders which apply to every Member. The quicker we start, the more Members will be able to speak.
Comment on this
In the programme for Government there is a reference to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs, EPSEN, Act, which is the legislation dealing with special education. It refers to sections that were introduced on a non-statutory basis, which does not make sense to me. The Taoiseach may not have the relevant information available to him, but I ask him to communicate the various sections of the Act which have been properly and statutorily commenced and those which have not been. I thought it was a very strange phrase.
Will it be possible to get an update before the recess on the progress made in delivering the housing plan?
Comment on this
I will revert to the Deputy regarding the EPSEN Act and the sections that have not been implemented by statute and on a voluntary basis. The Deputy's second question referred to housing.